For some students, work-study has its benefits

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need to earn money for college. (Startup Stock Photos)

The work-study program is a useful resource for students at Salt Lake Community College.

The program currently only allows students to work 20 hours per week, but the money can be used toward tuition or other expenses. Since most work-study jobs are located on campus, this form of part-time employment can be a convenient option for students.

“It helps students that are working toward their programs here at SLCC that don’t have enough time to go find a job off campus, so they can just go from their class to their job or from their jobs to their classes,” says work-study advisor Brandee Jacobsen.

Former work-study student Corbin Van Lent also found that working on campus was helpful for her.

“I was at the college already, so I ended up spending more time on studying,” Van Lent says. “I had [work] on days that I didn’t have classes, but it was still nice to be on campus in the same place when you need the facilities.”

Van Lent notes how it was easier for her to polish skills that aligned with her field of study, and make the transfer to an SLCC job while interacting with the community.

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for a lot of students to get a job on campus … it’s also a great way to meet a lot of people and find resources you didn’t know about before,” Van Lent says.

Several students are presently enrolled in the work-study program. The types of on-campus jobs include assistants and receptionists.

Off-campus jobs mainly come in the form of community service with non-profit organizations or public agencies.

To qualify for the work-study program, students must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, aka FAFSA, with a minimum of six credit hours.

Job duties and wages will vary depending on the job. Work-study students typically earn $10 to $14 an hour.

Students can search and apply for work-study jobs through the Employment Opportunities page on the SLCC website. Contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to check eligibility.